Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus Brachypterus)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Red, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6»

Venomous : Yes

Origin : Africa, Indonesia

Family : Scorpaenidae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons 

The Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus Brachypterus) is appropriately named because of its full fins. Dendrochirus zebra may also be called the Dwarf Lionfish. 

It has red, white, and black vertical stripes along the body with large, fan-like pectoral fins and tall, quill-like dorsal fins. It grows to around 15cm/6” in length and there are several geographic colour variants — ranging from a deep red morph, through to a rare silver and orange form with striking yellow pectoral and dorsal fins. Most on offer, however, exhibit a far more subdued coloration. 

This species is venomous. The top spines are venomous, causing reactions similar to a bee sting. The pelvic, pectoral and dorsal fins of this animal can cause extreme pain. 

A 50 gallon or larger aquarium with numerous hiding places is suitable. Lionfish will likely remain hidden in brightly lit aquariums as it prefers dimmer lighting. Nocturnal by nature, the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish will tend to be shy in brightly lit aquariums but will likely adjust with time and make brief appearances. The Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish is a personable fish that quickly recognizes and responds to its owners presence.

It is best to keep the Lionfish with lesser aggressive tankmates. Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish may be kept in small groups providing there is no harassment within the group. You can put them in a reef tank but only with caution. The main reason for this is because they will eat smaller fish and shrimp and any other invert that they can get in their mouth. They also perch sometimes, so if they start laying on your corals, your corals will probably not like it.

Smaller specimens will adapt to captivity and accept captive diets more easily.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. The Dwarf Lionfish diet consists of meaty foods such as live shrimp (including ornamental shrimp), live fish, and sometimes, crustacean flesh. One feed every other day is more than enough and show restraint as lionfish can easily eat far too much in one sitting.

Size: Tiny: 1" to 1-1/2"; Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3" to 4"